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Wild
Cornwall ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018
30,000 miles of hedges
Why we have mapped them all
Damage and disturbance
What you can do to help wildlife
Including
pull-out
The Your Shore umbrella Diary of
Events
The rise of local Marine Groups
welcome In this issue I used to think I had a Wild Cornwall
good understanding of FEATURES
wildlife but every day is
definitely a school day here
at Cornwall Wildlife Trust - 04 What's 30,000
there is so much to learn! miles long, full of
Carolyn Cadman Who knew that Cornish life and found in
hedges are 30,000 miles
long, full of life and so different to the
Cornwall?
i F e
hedgerows that line fields and lanes across
the rest of the country? If like me, you are
lacking of a few hedge facts, then head to
page 4 for everything you need to know.
In this issue we are also helping you to be
07 Be a
i l d
w hero l
a Wildlife Hero, providing you with the
information you need to report wildlife
disturbance or damage to the organisations 20 Protecting
who are responsible for protecting
wildlife. Reporting wildlife damage on coastal wildlife
land and at sea is really important in under the Your
ensuring that perpetrators are held to
account by the authorities and organisations
Shore umbrella
who need to know.
As the leaves fall from the trees and the
nights draw in, the talk in my household has
already taken on a distinctly festive theme.
However, there’s no nostalgia here, the
priority for my two boys is to complete the
first of many drafts of their ‘Christmas list’.
Luckily, there’s a great selection of ethically
sourced gift ideas available from our online
shop (see page 17) – and every item purchased
is of benefit to local wildlife. This year, I
will be buying gift membership for Cornwall Contacts:
Wildlife Trust for everyone – it’s my first year General and volunteer enquiries:
here! And arranging the traditional family info@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
walk on one of our beautiful reserves. This is Membership info:
members@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk (01872) 273939
what gives me a warm glow and what I will
Wildlife Information Service: (01872) 302250
be adding to their Christmas lists.
Business Support: (01872) 302264
Cornwall Wildlife Trust Local & Specialist Groups:
Enjoy the magazine! localgroups@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
Marine Strandings Network Hotline: 0345 2012626
Carolyn Cadman,
Chief Executive, Cornwall Wildlife Trust Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9DJ.
www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
Any material intended for Events for the diary should be sent Cornwall Trust for Nature Registered office:
publication should be sent on the latest template, available Conservation Ltd. Trading Five Acres, Allet, Truro,
as Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Cornwall TR4 9DJ.
to both Ella Clark: from the Trust offices at Allet, to
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cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
/CornwallWildlife @CwallWildlife @cornwallwildlifetrust CornwallWildlifeTrust
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Wild Cornwall
NEWS & UPDATES
06 Conservation 18 Your Local Groups 31
catch-up
22 A day in the life…
10 Wildlife Wednesdays
23 The gift that
Student keeps on giving
On the voice for
campaign trail wildlife 32 Beaver kits born
in Cornwall
Nature reserves
24 Nature notices 33 A tribute to
12 Vic Simpson
news 25 Diary of events
14 Specialist Groups 33 New Cornwall
29 Find your inner Nature Reserve fund
Embrace wild child 35
16 Natural World
News from The Wildlife Trusts across the UK
Where to see owls
Winter 2018
your wild Ten great places for these mysterious birds, p14
side; get out and Natural
get fundraising World
UK news from
wild
“We love The great otter Wildlife-
The Wildlife Trusts
volunteering!” comeback friendly farms
Seven people explain From almost extinct to Do they really exist?
the attraction widespread in 40 years Of course they do
Family Membership is the
Give someone a perfect family present – they can
present this Christmas! discover Cornwall's wild places
and wildlife together.
Christmas Gift Membership lasts the whole year, and Our Family Members receive…
they will receive... A Wildlife Watch pack full of stickers, posters
Three issues of our Trust magazine, Wild Cornwall, which is and fun activities, plus three issues
full of feature articles, wildlife and conservation news of Wildlife Watch
plus a handy pull-out diary of events, as well as our magazine.
Nature Reserves guide.
Join online at www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/join or call (01872) 273939
Cornwall Wildlife Trust is a registered charity formed in 1962 by a group Mark Nicholson – Chair of Council
of volunteers who were passionate about Cornwall’s natural Stephen Warman – Vice-Chair of Council
environment and wanted to safeguard it for future generations. Steve Crummay – Chair of ERCCIS Advisory Board
Trustee Officers are: Gordon Fuller – Chair of Health Safety and Welfare Policy Committee
Prof R Jan Pentreath – President and Chair of Operational Business Risk Assessment Group
Dr Nick Tregenza – Vice President Fred Currie – Chair of Nature Reserves Committee
Daniel Eva – Hon Secretary, Chair of Staff Welfare and Reward Package Frank Howie – Chair of Conservation Strategy Committee
Advisory Committee Dee Reeves – Chair of Marketing and Fundraising Committee and
Paul Coyne – Hon Treasurer, Chair of Finance and General Purposes Committee Interim Chair Five Acres/Two Burrows Working Group
4
DAVE THOMAS SUE EARNSHAW DAVE THOMAS
ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018
What’s 30,000 miles long,
full of life and found
in Cornwall?
After 20 months of work and development. This would be a huge loss to Cornwall
where traditional hedge-laying is deemed a very valuable
by 20 volunteers and
and irreplaceable skill.
two staff, 2018 saw the
completion of the first The wildlife value of the Cornish hedge
Cornish hedges connect otherwise isolated species
countywide mapping of and link a network of habitats, allowing wildlife to
Cornwall's rural hedges, move freely between them. With ancient woodland
Laura
Guy-Wilkinson writes Laura Guy- habitats in decline, hedges provide sanctuary and act
as wildlife corridors to areas of woodland that were
Wilkinson, Data Officer once interlinked.
at the Environmental Records Centre for Cornish hedges are also a hugely valuable habitat in
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS). their own right, and the richness of their biodiversity
is obvious to see. Each taxon group is represented
Advanced satellite imagery was used to identify features in abundance. We often focus on mammals such as
across the Cornish landscape, which showed an hedgehogs, dormice and foxes, but to really understand
estimated 30,000 miles of hedges. the hedge’s incredible variety you have to look to the
The hedge maps created by ERCCIS will provide a more unsung heroes of the natural world.
wealth of information for research, conservation and Insects such as beetles, bees and butterflies are
the sustainable management of wildlife and habitats. pollinators and pest controllers in their own right; but
It will give conservationists an understanding about how these little insects also provide food for the rest of
different species use hedges and interact with the wider the ecosystem. Reptiles such as the slow-worm and
landscape. We can investigate how interconnected these common lizard use the stone-faced earth banks as a sun
areas are in the hope that future management plans trap and refuge, while the damp, leaf-filled cool ditches
will help protect isolated populations. The map at the base of the hedge are perfect for common toads.
therefore will be of great value to landowners, Lichens such as the marvellous string of sausages
researchers and professionals. hang from tree branches, while hedge sides often
become a blaze of colours in April to June; like a vertical
The nature of the Cornish hedge wildflower meadow.
Cornish hedges vary around the county depending
In the spring, hedges are full of the sound of birdsong,
upon climate, available materials and local farming
and they also provide birds with food throughout
practices. They extend from the granite boulder walls of
the year, such as insects to fatten up their offspring
West Penwith, to the dry stone, lichen-covered walls of
Bodmin Moor, all the way to the green lanes of southern and berries to keep them fed throughout the winter.
SUE SEARLE
Cornwall, where laid and coppiced hazel hedges buzz Just as importantly, hedges provide a place of refuge
with insects and birdsong. from predators in the dense
undergrowth for birds, and
The construction of a Cornish hedge is still regarded as also small mammals,
a hugely valuable skill today. Wide at the base, often insects and their larvae.
with a verge or a ditch, and narrow at the top and always Understanding the
This map will help extent of the hedge network
with local materials, the Cornish hedge generally has a
towards ongoing in Cornwall is vital to ensure
compacted soil middle with either a stone or turf face.
work, research
The grassy top supports a shrubby hedgerow and often the protection and sustainable
and partnership
trees including oak, ash, sycamore or elm. management of our hedges for years
to ensure hedges
The classic English Hedgerow is protected under UK law are appreciated
to come. For more information or to
not only as a habitat, but also for its function as a wildlife and conserved for request access to the ERCCIS Hedges
corridor. However, Cornish hedges do not fall under this generations Information, please contact
legislation, which means they are at risk from destruction to come. wis@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
(01872) 302250.
ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 5
Conservation catch-up
Nowedhyans gwithans
Cheryl Marriott
Cheryl Marriott reports on the Trust's latest conservation news. Head of Conservation
Penwith landscape projects
up and running
There has been a flurry of
It’s all about
activity since we heard last the soil
PENWITH LANDSCAPE PARTNERSHIP
year that the Penwith Landscape
Partnership programme had been Cornwall Catchment Partnership,
hosted by the Trust, is developing
awarded Heritage Lottery Funding.
a Soils Framework for Cornwall.
The Partnership has recruited a
At present, no single organisation
team, based in an office in St Just,
has an overview of soils in
which has begun work on a wide Cornwall, despite our soil being
array of projects which will run a threatened, finite resource. It is
over the next five years under the currently difficult to know what
programme First and Last – Our collective effort is being made to
Living Working Landscape. The projects include archaeology and ancient sites, protect and enhance soils and
countryside access, redundant farm buildings, landscape assessment, Cornish whether we are focusing our
hedging, farming and wildlife. Brief summaries can be found on the website efforts effectively. The framework
www.penwithlandscape.com will set out the actions we can
all take, from individuals to
large businesses, to protect and
ABOVE: The team in Penwith, all set to deliver First and last – Our Living Working enhance this essential resource.
Landscape BELOW: A volunteer taster day in Penwith
TEVI – growing
PENWITH LANDSCAPE PARTNERSHIP
business and the
environment
Tevi (the Cornish word for
growth) is the new name for the
Environmental Growth for
Business project, led by the
University of Exeter. The Trust is
a delivery partner on the project
and we will be working with
businesses over the next three
Cornwall Good years to see where they can
improve their environmental
Seafood Guide has performance. If you have links to
first out-of-county
any small or medium-sized
business, from a campsite to a
member manufacturing company, that
you think could benefit from
News about Cornwall’s sustainable receiving free advice from the
seafood is travelling. Hook restaurant at project team, please get in touch
The Fish Hotel, on the Farncombe Estate in with Catherine Pinney at
the Cotswolds, recently signed up to catherine.pinney@
support the scheme and will put two or cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
more items from the recommended list
on its menu. This is the first out-of-county
member of the scheme. We are grateful
to Flying Fish, a Cornish fish distributor
and existing member of the scheme, for
helping to bring the Fish Hotel on board.
6 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018
We live in a spectacular location. Gulls
soar over towering cliffs. Seals bask on
sun-drenched beaches. Blackbirds nest
in hawthorn hedges. We drive down sun-
dappled lanes (when it’s not raining!).
But maintaining Cornwall’s natural environment
and wildlife habitats calls for constant vigilance –
and occasional action.
It calls for heroes. People who, instead of
complaining to friends or feeling unsure what to
do, can now do something positive to put a stop to
careless or criminal activity.
It calls for every one of us to pause when we see
our wildlife or landscape under threat… and then
turn an impotent frown into an actual phone call,
or a senseless expletive into an urgent email.
ADRIAN LANGDON
We know it’s not something you’d normally do but
SUE SAYER
if you don’t do something, who will?
We aren’t suggesting you confront anyone or risk
your personal safety. What we do ask is that you
take positive action by reporting what you’ve seen
to the appropriate body (as you’ll see in the next
two pages, there’s no shortage of bodies ready to
act – all they need are the facts to alert them).
So the next time you see someone fly-tipping into
a field, tormenting wildlife or ripping out a wild
hedge, make a call – and make a difference.
We can be heroes… just for one day.
Be a
i l d
w hero l i F e
make a call –
and make a
difference
If you see wildlife disturbance or damage
On land
Freshwater Habitat change Waste
pollution and damage Illegal dumping of large amounts of
Removal of Cornish hedges (not waste (lorryloads)
A river or stream is running brown
garden/ornamental) over 20 metres
with soil, is discoloured in some other
way, is foamy, contains sanitary
long, or less than 20m but joined to What To do:
other wild hedges at each end. Be a wildlife hero, report
products, smells of sewage or contains
dead fish/fish gasping for air. Site clearance/building work/major anonymously to
engineering work without Crimestoppers:
What To do: planning permission 0800 555 111
Trimming, cutting or felling trees or online
Be a wildlife hero, call the
covered by a Tree Preservation Order
Environment Agency:
or within a Conservation Area
crimestoppers-uk.org
0800 80 70 60. /give-information
Waste water issue: you can What To do: Fly-tipping or unusual
also contact South West Water Be a wildlife hero, check for
southwestwater.co.uk/water-advice- planning permission at:
amounts of litter on the
and-services/waste-water-services/
planning.cornwall.gov.uk/ streets
report-a-suspected-pollution
online-applications
or call 0344 346 2020.
or 0300 1234 151.
What To do:
Be a wildlife hero, report to
Report to Cornwall Cornwall Council:
Council planning enforcement: cornwall.gov.uk/flytipping
cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-
planning/planning/enforcement/ or 0300 1234 141.
report-a-breach-of-planning-control
or 0300 1234 151.
If we take action:
1 Perpetrators will know that they
are being watched and will begin to
change their behaviour.
2 Statutory organisations will record
the number of reports, use the
statistics to make a case for additional
resourcing and highlight the issues to Harrassment and disturbance
politicians and decision-makers.
See the Cornwall Marine and Coastal Code Guidelines at
3 Cornwall Wildlife Trust will be able
to focus its energies on enhancing
www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/living-seas/
cornwall-marine-and-coastal-code
and increasing wildlife habitats
throughout Cornwall. What To do:
Be a wildlife hero, if wildlife or habitats are
being disturbed, call Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s
24-hour strandings hotline:
At sea
0345 201 2626
Serious harassment: report to the Police:
see Wildlife crime opposite.
you can become a wildliFe hero
Tree damage Wildlife crime
A felling licence is required to fell Several species have legal protection
trees in certain situations in the wider under the Wildlife and Countryside Act
countryside. 1981 (as amended), notably; all species of
Exceptions include: bats, dormice, all species of reptiles, nesting
birds and badgers. Poisoning of birds of
gardens, churchyards or open spaces prey is also illegal.
where the public have a legal right of
access for recreation
trees with a diameter less than
What To do:
the width of a baked bean can (8cm) at Be a wildlife hero, if you
Tree felling, hedge trimming and scrub witness a suspected wildlife
a height of 1.3 metres on the main stem
clearance when birds are nesting crime in action, call the Police on
up to 5 cubic metres of timber is an offence under the Wildlife and 999 immediately. Supply photos/
(around 5 metric tonnes) may be felled Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). videos if possible.
per calendar quarter.
What To do: Non-immediate incidents: call the non-
What To do: emergency number 101; you can ask to
Be a wildlife hero, call the speak to a Wildlife Liaison Officer or
Be a wildlife hero, you can non-emergency number 101; email WildlifeCrime@
find out more here you can ask to speak to a devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6dfkw6 Wildlife Liaison Officer, or email
To check if a site is covered WildlifeCrime@
by a felling licence or to report alleged devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
illegal felling: 0300 067 4960 or
southwest.fce@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
ROSS HODDINOTT/2020VISION, CHRIS LOWE, MARK HAMBLIN/2020VISION, TOM HIBBERT, TERRY WHITTAKER/2020VISION
Live-stranded Live birds/other Dead-stranded
marine animals marine life in need marine animals
What To do: of rescue and What To do:
Be a wildlife hero, for whales, dolphins treatment Be a wildlife hero, for all
and seals call the British Divers Marine dead marine animals,
Life Rescue’s 24-hour hotline: What To do: including birds, please
01825 765 546 Be a wildlife hero, call the
call Cornwall Wildlife
Trusts’ 24-hour Marine
or see RSPCA’s 24-hour hotline:
Strandings Network hotline:
www.bdmlr.org.uk 0300 123 4999
0345 201 2626
/index.php
On the campaign trail
Towards a wilder Cornwall
In late September my Like me, you may not totally agree
with all of the ideas in the manifesto,
youngest son and I, along
but there is much in it that would help
with other staff and families to reverse the decline of wildlife. And
from Cornwall Wildlife Trust, this is something that we at Cornwall
headed to London’s Hyde Wildlife Trust want too. We want
to see, hear and feel the recovery
Park with 10,000 others, to of nature, on land, at sea, in the air,
take part in Chris Packham’s starting now, supported by local
‘People’s Walk for Wildlife’. communities and businesses
across Cornwall.
It rained. It rained a lot. But we kept Chris Packham said: “This is a people’s
walking and waving our St Piran flag manifesto – it’s not devised by the
because we know that, just like the rest government, and we don’t have to
of the UK, the last 50 years have seen wait for them to do something.
a decimation of Cornwall’s wildlife We can do it ourselves.
species down by 56%. We walked all
“I want this manifesto to be a first draft
the way to Downing Street, where
to ignite public interest, so that people
Chris Packham handed over
feel empowered to stand up and say
‘A People’s Manifesto for Wildlife’.
‘I’ve got ideas as well, and they work’.
We know how to solve the problems,
we just need to make it happen.
If this manifesto can be a catalyst,
I’d be delighted.”
The manifesto comes at a time when
key legislation and government policies
are being developed which will impact
on the future prospects for Cornwall’s
environment and wildlife and all the
communities, businesses and other
interests that depend on them. There
is an Agriculture Bill, the possibility of
a Fisheries Bill and an Environment Bill so keep an eye on our website and
will also be launched later in 2018. social media posts where, over the
next few months, we’ll be asking you
The Bills are being described as a
to get involved to show your support
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get
The manifesto is aimed at reversing for wildlife and ensure that politicians
the right legislation to drive forward
in London feel the public pressure to
decades of declining wildlife figures the recovery of nature on land and at
reverse the decline in wildlife.
and species in the UK and starts with a sea, and we are working hard locally
roll-call of extinct or declining animals, and with other Wildlife Trusts across Carolyn Cadman, Chief Executive
insects and plants. It is well worth a the country to influence those policies
You can read more blogs from
read – packed with 200 ideas for action to ensure they reverse the decline of
Carolyn and others on our website.
nature.
which range from helping garden
And you can help us! As Chris The People's Manifesto for
hedgehogs and adopting urban trees
Packham said, “Our wildlife needs Wildlife is on Chris's website
to more ambitious and provocative
us – and it needs you more than ever”, www.chrispackham.co.uk
challenges for government.
how to c a m p a i g n w i t h u s
Join the campaign Head to the campaigns page on our website:
on social media: cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/campaign
@CwallWildlife
Sign up to our eNewsletter on our website :
Cornwall Wildlife Trust cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
On the Campaign Trail for updates on campaigns and how to take action
10Imagine
leaving a gift
that could truly
last for generations
McClure Solicitors, are offering a year-round, free Will-writing service
with advice about how to leave a gift to nature through Cornwall
Wildlife Trust, if you wish. Once you have made arrangements for
family and friends, a gift to Cornwall Wildlife Trust will help keep our
precious wildlife and wild places safe for generations to enjoy.
I am so pleased
to be able to leave a
donation in my Will
– I feel reassured
that my love for
wildlife will make a
difference for years
to come
Claire, Truro
Visit McClure in Truro or Plymouth,
or arrange a home visit for a free, no obligation chat.
Contact Hayley Bayfield at McClure on Freephone 0800 852 1999 or
visit www.mcclure-solicitors.co.uk or call Emma Miller, Fundraising
Officer on 01872 302249 www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/legacy
McClure Solicitors are supporters of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and helping business work for wildlife in Cornwall.
ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 11Nature reserves news
Nowodhow an gwithvaow natur
Years of wet and windy summers contribute to declines in insects like butterflies, with knock-on
effects on their predators. In contrast to recent years, this summer was a blinder, and observations
by reserves staff suggest that our wildlife, particularly butterflies, flourished throughout our Nature
Reserves. Our Reserves Managers , Penhale Dunes Ranger Jon Cripps and East Cornwall Reserves
Officer Natalie Mitchell report.
Insects flourish in sunny
Butterflies and choughs on
but lush mid-Cornwall 2
Penhale Dunes 1
Breney Common (part of Helman Tor Nature Reserve)
The long, hot summer days on recorded the highest number of marsh fritillaries so far this
Penhale Dunes created fantastic century, with 88 butterflies counted on a fixed survey
conditions for butterflies, perfect route. We hope that such a long spell of fine weather,
for several training days run by coinciding with good numbers
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation of emerging butterflies Marsh fritillary
(CBC). The first session looked butterflies,
following changes to the
Helman Tor
at the grizzled skipper – Penhale grazing management, will Nature
Dunes is the only place in have helped this fickle species Reserve
JON CRIPPS
Cornwall where it can be seen. lay eggs over a wide area.
The group found grizzled Dragonflies and damselflies
skippers in several locations, also had a good year,
meaning that there are likely to be multiple colonies in the dunes. particularly at Breney
Careful management of scrub will give the colonies a chance to Common, where they have
flourish. At the other end of the spectrum are silver-studded blue responded well to our pond
BEN WATKINS
butterflies. In a single day, Steve from CBC and I were able to management regime.
count over 4,500 silver-studded blues in the dunes!
Meanwhile, during the
It was also a successful year for choughs in this area of the north drought period when many fields turned brown, most of
coast. The resident pair produced four young, all of which fledged our sites in mid-Cornwall remained green and lush,
and can regularly be seen roaming the coast. We had the pleasure benefiting from unaltered drainage and deep-rooted
of seeing five fly past in the middle of Newquay! This is a great plants. This brought to mind the traditional use of the
reflection on the Trust’s habitat management in the area, grazing ‘rough ground’ in years past, as summer pasture – reliable,
providing short turf and dung where choughs find insects and drought proof grazing whilst the hay meadows were
other invertebrates to forage. RSPB volunteers put in a great allowed to grow for winter fodder.
deal of time monitoring the choughs, so please send them your
sightings at cornishchoughs@rspb.org.uk
Many hands make
light work 3
In July, the East Cornwall Reserves Team and their weekly
North Cornwall Volunteers joined forces for the first time
with the Wild Allet volunteer group. Our destination was
a south-facing hay meadow at Churchtown Farm
Community Nature Reserve in Saltash, south-east
Cornwall, where we put to use a tool that is currently Volunteers and Reserves
PETER KENT
experiencing something of a resurgence: the humble staff scything at Churchtown
scythe. Although the hay meadows at Churchtown Farm Farm Nature Reserve
are mostly cut and baled using tractor-mounted machinery,
entry to this particular field is via a narrow track which Cutting the meadow prevents the sward from becoming
makes tractor access difficult. rank and dominated by coarse grass tussocks. Removal of
the cut hay is key to the process as it helps to reduce soil
Scything is a sociable task, the tools are lightweight and fertility, improving growing conditions for wildflowers and
straightforward to use, and with enough people they can increasing diversity. Our thanks go to the volunteers for their
have a real impact. scything expertise and enthusiasm.
12 ISSUE 137 WINTER 20184
1
Seán Nick Peter Natalie Jon 2
O’Hea Marriott Kent Mitchell Cripps
3
5
Bringing the school
sylla-buzz to life 4
This summer, pupils of Delaware Primary Academy, near
Gunnislake in south-east Cornwall, had an exciting outing to
Sylvia’s Meadow, their local Cornwall Wildlife Trust Nature
Reserve. Children from years 3 and 4 became nature detectives and
spent the afternoon exploring pollination, a subject they had been
learning about in class. A ‘nectar relay’ and ‘honey bee dance’ went
down well and during a quick bug hunt, many of the pupils found
insects they had never seen before.
Sylvia’s Meadow is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI) and in early summer it’s a great place to see several species
of orchid, including southern marsh (Dactylorhiza praetermissa)
and lesser butterfly (Platanthera bifolia). It is an important example
of unimproved neutral grassland, a rare find in Cornwall. Its A marbled
white butterfly
NATALIE MITCHELL
preservation from the plough is thanks in part to its use as a military
pollinating
camp during World War II. Access to the meadow (no dogs) is via
wildflowers at
the Tamar Valley Donkey Park during opening hours.
Sylvia's Meadow
Windmill Farm Nature Reserve gets a new visitor 5
One site in particular that has been fizzing with dragonflies After a single confirmed UK record of the southern migrant
and damselflies is Windmill Farm in West Cornwall, where hawker during the twentieth century, four individuals were
deep ponds, shallow scrapes, grazed pools, non-grazed pools, observed in southern England during 2006. During 2010 many
streams, ditches, spring seepages, wheel ruts and reed beds individuals were then seen in south Essex and north Kent, and
mean the site can cater for a wide variety of species. it’s been spreading ever since.
The 19 previously recorded species were joined by one more
this summer in the form of the southern migrant hawker A tip for rare dragonfly enthusiasts: Windmill Farm’s Plantlife
(Aeshna affinis). pond in June is a hotspot for another migrant from southern
Europe: the red-veined darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii).
DOUGY WRIGHT
Known as the Plantlife pond, this is a hot
spot for the red-veined darter dragonfly
BEN WATKINS
Windmill Farm’s new visitor,
the southern migrant hawker
ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 13Specialist Groups
Most people have a special interest, and Cornwall is a haven for diverse specialist groups that care
about certain aspects of the natural world. Our wildlife and wild places benefit greatly from the
enthusiasm of people just like you and me who start out by being a bit interested, and then, while
making new friends and new discoveries, might even find themselves turning into experts.
On 1st February 2014, a dark seal
with a triangular scar and a white Wildlife thrives in places of peace
septum (the cartilage between his and serenity, as long as they are
nostrils) was named ‘Septimus White’ by Rob Wells, managed with sensitivity. When
who was featured in ‘A day in the life of a volunteer’ in funds are short, the answer lies Living
with local people, whether they Churchyards
our spring 2018 issue. The rest is history.
are churchgoers or not.
Cornwall Seal Group Cornwall’s Living
Research Trust (CSGRT) Churchyards
When Septimus was first photographed on 30th
January 2014 by Danny Cooper, we had no idea The photo shows a
where events would lead. wonderful display of
Cornwall 433 days later, Rob Wells found Septimus dead columbine at St Ann’s
Seal Group in St Austell Bay. At 2.4m, Septimus was the Church, Hessenford, in
third longest dead seal recorded in Cornwall. south-east Cornwall. The
Unusually, he did not wash out with the tide. site is home to two species
Two years later, Septimus’s bones were cleaned and of very rare bee; Andrena
taken to London to meet Derek Frampton, a professional bucephala, a mining bee,
‘skeleton articulator’ recommended by the Natural History and Nomada hirtipes, a
Museum’s Richard Sabin. Derek discovered that Septimus solitary bee, both identified
had suffered a number of serious injuries and infections, in November 2009.
including a bullet wound to a rib and a final deadly blow
to his head. Not forgetting his traumatic death, the skilfully There are several new
reconstructed skeleton looks magnificent. projects starting this year in
Now Septimus will outlive us all, as a celebrity seal and a South Petherwin, Launcells.
multidisciplinary resource. After a private showing at County Braddock, Warleggan,
Hall, Septimus’s first public showing – as the centrepiece Landrake, Perranzabuloe
of CSGRT’s full Seal Squad Xplorer Programme (SSXP) and St Day. I am finding that Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris ),
Roadshow – was at the University of Exeter’s annual Marine quite often, it is down to the St Ann’s Church, Hessenford.
Ecology and Conservation Network Conference. non-churchgoing members
ROBERT MOOR
You will need to meet Septimus to learn more of his of the public, who become concerned and alarmed
past and his ultimate survival in skeleton form, despite at the lack of a caring management style, or the lack
everything we and nature have thrown at him. of any management at all, in some of our Closed
Status churchyards.
Sue Sayer, Volunteer, www.cornwallsealgroup.co.uk
Wholesale clearance cutting before seed has set, and
the resultant heavy cover of cut material, enrichens
soils and smothers our dwindling natural flora.
Closed status churchyards are maintained by Council
contractors who are already pushed by pressure of
work, from roadsides to recreation grounds. Even
our poor clergy have several churches to look after
nowadays, and often the Church family themselves
have lost empathy with their surroundings.
Fortunately, some wonderful people are determined
to do something about this, so we must help all we can.
Robert Moor, Volunteer
CSGRT
14 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018If you wish you were a better John Macadam presents a beginner’s guide to geology
photographer, what better way and the Geoconservation Group.
Cornwall
to learn than joining in with the
Photographic
Photo Group? Group
Photographic Geoconservation
Group
Geo-
conservation
Group
Group
Rocks? What have they to do with wildlife?
Looking back to the long hot summer of 2018 we had How about soils? Well, yes, plants grow in soil…
some great field trips. Where do soils come from? Rocks!
For the first time, as a group, we paid a visit to the
Trust’s nature reserve at Penlee Battery on Rame
Head. It isn’t an easy place for most of us to get to, but
it is a wonderful location for its views and butterflies.
The Nationally Scarce
We went in July when there were plenty of marbled
spring sandwort (Minuartia
white butterflies and six-spot burnet moths. verna) is found on alkaline
rocks and can tolerate heavy
metal contamination. In
© R ALLEN
Photography tips for beginners Cornwall it is restricted to
the serpentine on the Lizard
It is difficult to fill the frame with subjects which are
active and wary, but a good photo is often found by OK, that’s all a little bit simplistic, but right from its start in
making a composition of the subject and another 1962 Cornwall Wildlife Trust has been concerned with the
element such as the flower or grass on which it is whole of nature, the living and the non-living parts, and
resting. Generally we try to isolate the subject from the the connections between the two. Rocks are the source
background. This is done by of Cornwall’s soils, with a bit of help from worms, fungi,
positioning the camera so etc, and Cornwall’s varied rocks – its geology – give us our
that the subject has a clear variety of landscapes, from the high granite moors to lower
background. You can also ground usually on slate. Nature-lovers know about the
choose a relatively wide special plants on the Lizard, on the serpentine, and in the
aperture to reduce the Culm grasslands and on the coastal sand dunes.
depth-of-field but
Geologists were members of the Trust from the early days
must be careful to
but the Cornwall Geoconservation Group only got started
keep the important bits
in 1991. Since then the group has been designating special
of the subject sharp.
sites as County Geology Sites, with similar criteria to
This photo, taken by County Wildlife Sites, and the Trust also has two geological
Karin Saunders at reserves. More on all these topics in future issues of Wild
Penlee Batterly, Cornwall but in the meantime you can find out more by
demonstrates the use going to www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/geology. And
of composition to create why not look at our Facebook page (search for ‘Cornwall
an appealing image. Geoconservation Group’) where you will find events, and
pictures of stunning geology.
David Chapman,
John Macadam, Volunteer
Volunteer
Cornwall’s bats need you!
Cornwall Bat
Cornwall Bat Group Group
Incredibly, the 17 breeding bat species also have to pick up new poorly
found in the UK make up a quarter of all our individuals each day and dedicate
resident mammal species. And in Cornwall, time to raising awareness about these
MARION BEAULIEU
we are very fortunate to have as many as fascinating animals.
13 different species of bats.
More people are desperately needed
Every year about 200 grounded (injured to help make the coming seasons less
and/or exhausted) bats all around the challenging. Could you be a ‘bat carer’,
county are cared for by many dedicated ‘advanced bat carer’ or an ‘ambulance
volunteer bat carers. None more so than driver’? If you would like to help in
Chris and Sue Harlow who, for over ten this precious work, please contact
years, have been nursing countless bat chrisharlowtms@yahoo.co.uk. We
pups that sadly get separated from their look forward to welcoming you
mothers due to the weather or predators. to the team.
These babies require feeding every three
hours. Whilst they are busy with this for Marion Beaulieu, Cornwall Underweight brown
most of June to August, Chris and Sue Bat Group Volunteer long-eared bat in care
ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 15thank you
Embrace your wild side;
get out and get fundraising
At the age of 11
,
Eva has taken
Putting on a For example, you can embrace your to the streets
of
wild side and explore the South West Falmouth with
fundraising Coast Path on a sponsored walk, her violin to ra
ise Eva
event is a although you needn’t necessarily walk awareness abou with
t her
great way 300 miles over 200 days like science the saddening violin
communicator Sophie Pavel (below). decline of
to socialise Or why not organise the biggest hide- dormice in the
Isabella Hawkes
with friends, and-seek game of your life? Whatever UK. Eva said,
family, you choose to do, we can’t wait to
“Because I lov
colleagues or classmates
hear how your fun helps us. e animals
and I know th
while helping to raise Sophie told us, “Last year I decided to at dormice
have been class
awareness of the beautiful
do something a bit different, and hike ed as
the 300-mile coastline of gorgeous ‘vulnerable to
extinction’
wildlife around you, says Cornwall by myself. Using just my and have decli
ned by
the Trust’s new Community iPhone, I made a short video each about a third si
day for the full 22 days of the walk, nce the
Fundraising Officer Isabella year 2000, wh
about the wildlife I encountered on ich is
Hawkes. my adventure, and posted highlights appalling, I wen
t out
on social media. It raised funds for busking to hel
Cornwall Wildlife Trust relies upon the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and helped p them.
charitable donations of its supporters So far I have ra
launch my career as a wildlife ised £69.81
to fund its work, in our nature reserves busking for do
and throughout the wider landscape,
naturalist and communicator." rmice
and I will conti
coastline and coastal seas of Cornwall. nue to
We have created a new fundraising raise more.”
pack, as we want you to enjoy yourself
whilst supporting your local wildlife.
The brand new pack contains all the
tools and inspiration you will need to
begin your fundraising journey.
The Rotary Club of St Agnes
and St Piran has held several
fundraising events including
the ILOW festival in Mount
Hawke, a Cornish Night and a
Bollywood Night in St Agnes
and finally the President’s
Dinner. Club President Dr
Brian Guttridge said, "One of
the most important challenges
for us all is to protect our
wildlife, when so much is under
pressure from human damage
JACK JOHNS
to the environment."
16 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018helP thank you
start
Email You’re helping
to wear your
wildlife and w protect Cornwall’s Loads of wild wellies
isabella.hawkes@ ild places! id
cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk One importan eas.
t purpose
for your
Thank you for
choosing to supp Last
Wildlife Trus
t, Cornwall’s lead
ort Cornwall somethi year I decided
FUNDRAISING PACK
charity. Despite
being surroun
ing local wildlife the 300 ng a bit differe to do
m nt - and Where your
of wildlife and
wild places, our
ded by a diversity Cornw ile coastline hike fundraising goe
all of
for Corn by myself, to gorgeous
£10
and species are stunning habi
tats s...
in decline. We ra
protect and prev work tirelessly
ent this but it’s to spread wall Wildlife Tr ise money
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you that mak
e our work poss
fundraisers like wildlife e love of the ust and
and lan in
ible. so luck dscape credible one marine stran
ding
and call her on
Included in this y s
Using ju to have on ou that we are
kit for a volunteer
pack is everythi Gloves, bags, tape .
need to get your ng you should r
fundraising even little vi st my iPhone, doorstep. disinfectant.
s and
add friends! From t on the go; just deo each I made
(01872) 302284
advice to pers
onal stories, and ab ou t th day for a
information abou
t how your don on my ade wildlife I en 22 days, all
to good use, we ations are put co
wan more ex venture. I can’t untered
fundraising even t to make organising your cit
t as easy as poss to be ge ing and impo think of a
ible. tti
Whether you’re time in ng outside an rtant time
if you have any ideas
ou
what be r environmend spending
hiking the Sout On the last
coast path, or h West
your pa tter way to de t - and
taking a dip in week of term,
with friends, we the sea we did
ss m
how you have
can’t wait to see
to ever ion for our w onstrate a fundraising
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chosen to fund yo
Cornw ne than fund spaces
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raise.
allWild ra
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you
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Present
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t!
ie Pave
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stranded. Our
target was £55
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and thank you
lle and
amazingly we
raised
£61.86!
from everyone
Cornwall Wild
at
life Trust
how to use the pack... Charlotte Gray
If you do have This pack includes: Whatever you do, however much money you raise, your
any other ques support is greatly appreciated and will make a huge difference
only an email tions we’re Step by Step Guide
away at: fund ●●
to Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places.
cornwallwild raising@
lifetrust.org.uk ●● Event Ideas
Please let us know what you are planning
●● Inspirational Stories and we can help you to publicise it.
●● Health & Safety Go online
www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/fundraise
●● Sponsor Form
Walk the ●● Paying In Slip
Contact the fundraising team:
(01872) 273939
coast... ●●
●●
Freepost - Poster
Collection Box
Email us at:
fundraising@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
thank you
Getti
tiPs
our loca ng out to cle
l an
great w beach was a
ay
Where your
fundraising goe and wor to raise mon
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communk together as
Jump in...
£35
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we coul ity. We realise
d d
and he clean up our
it’s easier than buys 10 new dorm lp
at the sa the environm wn
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Now w y people joine e
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Invite!
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Prepare…
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for all th all Wildlife Tr eful
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want people to to invite, do invites, and set
up a page Whether you’r Enjoy!
take part or e training
and tips Donate
sponsor you? online at justg for your event,
All the advice a
Wha iving
you want to do? t event do can donate direc where you or
decorations –makmaking It’s important
that
page for ideas
(See our tips tly to us.
you have every e sure your day, it is fund you enjoy You will find spon
ld thank
you need to ho Trust
). Where is your Make sure every raising after
event going to
take place?Wh what you’re doin
one knows need for the big
thing you all! Take lots of
pictu a paying-in slip sor forms,
will the weather at g day. (Make record your even res to and
envelope in your freepost you
they can join in and how the most of this
life be great to send t (these will
Cornwall Wild t.
be
your event is outd like? If to support you! environmenta
kit!). Stay as
to the press to pack or feel free fundraising
oors make lly to donate
sure you have Tell the media, possible; plast friendly as let them know online through
en and us how well you
fundraising ev
yourself ready (fundraising @ ic bags, balloons have done!) our
for all eventuali and glitter harm justgiving page
ties! cornwallwildlif wildlife and :
Just pick a date etrust.org.uk). habitats, and you https://www.jus
so you can let
well in advance as much fun with can have just Don’t forget to
tell us how your cornwallwild tgiving.com/
everyone know out them! day went, and lifetrust
about it! (Thin share what
k weather, you’re doing on
location, atten social media.
dance) You can find us
here:
thank you @CornwallWil
@CwallWildlif
e
dlife And Finally,
@cornwallwild
lifetrust
have fun and go wild
!
Winter fundraising ideas r worst
Wear you jumper Gingerbread
Christma
s house
During the festive time of
competition
giving, we can rustle up the
'Find S
a
sweep nta’ e nose
perfect ingredients for
fundraising with family, stake Pin th doph
l
friends or colleagues to on Ru
support your local wildlife.
Here are a few ideas, but the Crafty A Christmas
possibilities are endless: Christmas fair quiz
Christmas shopping
for wildlife
Remember Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s online shop
when you are looking for Christmas present ideas.
Visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop
Donate
You can donate wh
ilst you shop for
ife:
One click saves wildl
Christmas presents. )
opping on Amazon
●● Amazon Sm
ile (donate while sh
aising.org.uk/
●● Easyfundrais
ing www.easyfundr
lifetrust
causes/cornwallwild
oulive.com
●● Give as you
live, www.giveasy
17Your Local Groups
Agas Bagas Leel
As our Local Groups of volunteers look back over the summer, you’ll see that they have
had some rewarding wildlife watching trips over the summer. See pages 20 and 21 to find out
how Marine Groups like the Looe MCG are now caring for shores all around Cornwall.
Camel Group Launceston Area
As the summer continued with very little rain, many
species seemed to fare very well whilst others
Parish Wildlife Group
suffered. It was a good vole year in the fields and
meadows, which benefited birds of prey, with barn
(LAPWG) Early forget-me-not
owls doing especially well in the Camel area. Since the spring, the
One young owlet decided to take a leap of faith Launceston Area Parish
out of its nest box well before it could fly and Wildlife Group (LAPWG)
spent the day sitting in the middle of a farm lane has been busy with walks,
before being returned to its box in the evening by moth trapping, bat surveys,
JEN BOUSFIELD
trained volunteers. small mammals, plants and
butterflies. At the end of May
Kestrels have also done well, with reports of new our group enjoyed some
broods around the patch. One bird was photographed sensational wildflowers and
by Adrian Langdon with a bank vole in its talons but stunning views during our late spring walk around Pentire
sadly also line attached to it, possibly fishing line or Head and we were successful in our search for plants of the
some kind of braided cotton. early forget-me-not (Myosotis ramosissima), a challenge set
Another animal that has by expert botanical surveyor Ian Bennallick.
had a good breeding
In June we joined forces with the Botanical Group on a
year in our patch has
survey around Treburley, then found ourselves in field full of
been the fox, with
marbled whites and other butterflies (clouded yellows had
reports of cubs in several
been there recently). Later on, as we toiled up a footpath
areas and views of them
through a rather boring field of ryegrass, we came across
tossing voles in the air in
ADRIAN LANGDON
a splendid patch of arable weeds including Misopates
play … a classic sign of a
orontium or weasel’s-snout, which was quite a special find.
well-fed brood.
We returned to the Luckett mining area in July to continue
The Group committee
with our surveys, begun last year. Over 900 moths were
continue to monitor local
identified from 105 species; an assortment of bat detectors
planning issues and have recently been buoyed by
followed volunteer and bat expert Tony Atkinson around the
the failure at appeal of an application to build nine
village with one or two questionable results from the Echo
houses on a woodland site in Wadebridge. Many
Touch meters (more work needed there). Everything wilted in
trees were cut down on the site, which had been
the heat on the Sunday, so we ended up by the stream quietly
designated a ‘green buffer zone and corridor’ just
recording butterflies and golden-ringed dragonflies until a
days before a planning application was submitted.
shout of “Isn’t that a purple hairstreak?” had everyone
We surveyed the site for trees, flora and fauna, dashing for binoculars and yes, it was – a most suitable
finding it a regular feeding area for bats, badgers end to the morning’s work.
and birds and worked closely with the neighbouring
Jen Bousfield, Volunteer Vice-chair
residents, who fought a fantastic campaign.
for LAPWG
Sometimes it is heartening to think someone may
actually have read our report or listened to our views!
Camel Group committee
Thrift on Pentire Head
JEN BOUSFIELD
18 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018© HUGH CLARK www.bats.org.uk
CHRISTINE SPOONER
Beaver watchers Common pipistrelle
Friends of Bude Group
Kilminorth Woods July saw the first event of the summer with a group of
14 meeting at Stowe Barton, courtesy of the National Trust
Early July provided two memorable evening events, (NT) for an informative bat talk and walk. Sarah Stevens
the first a trip to see the beavers introduced at (NT and Cornwall Bat Group member) gave a
Woodland Valley Farm near Ladock in 2017. We were knowledgeable and entertaining talk on bats around the
escorted by landowner Chris Jones and the Trust’s world and the UK in particular. She covered their breeding,
Cheryl Marriott. Cheryl had brought ‘Trevor’ the feeding and echo location abilities along with species size
stuffed beaver in the boot of her car, and most of us and weight using a 20p piece and some children’s
privately suspected that this was the only beaver we confectionery to illustrate her points.
were likely to see. After all, there were nearly 20 of us,
and the light was fading. How wrong we were! There Equipped with bat detectors, the group then walked to
followed a magical two hours tiptoeing around the Coombe Mill (a favourite roost for bats) to observe and
ponds, with multiple sightings of two adult beavers record the emerging bats. Pipistrelles, soprano pipistrelles
and their two kits (born a few weeks previously). At and lesser horseshoes were recorded, and possible greater
one point a kit climbed on to the bank about ten feet horseshoe, Daubenton’s or Natterer’s recordings are being
away from me and sat nonchalantly nibbling some assessed by experts.
twigs. A memory to treasure. Our second event was Heritage Day showcasing societies in
the Bude area. The committee manned several tables with
Three days later it was our annual moth night in
leaflets, photos, both static and computer-driven, illustrating
Kilminorth Woods. This year, thanks to Tony James
the local programme of events and items of interest that
and colleagues, we had three moth traps strung out
the Trust is involved in. Special emphasis this year was on
along the path inside the woodland entrance. The
the Beaver Project near Truro and we were lucky to have a
warm weather was promising. There was one moth
fine stuffed beaver specimen on loan from head office along
that we were especially hoping might appear, the
with promotional material which raised some real interest.
scarce merveille du jour, a rare Red Data Book species
To maintain the beaver theme we had a ‘name the beaver’
recorded here previously, but as yet never seen by
competition with a prize of a toy beaver. Some of our table
any of our members. Its name is misleading; it is
space was allocated to the newly formed Bude Marine Group
indeed scarce, but it does not fly by day. It has been
who work to extend the knowledge of marine life in the area.
found in only a few locations in south-west England
in ancient oakwoods. By midnight a remarkable 87 Our last event for the summer will be a group visit to Ladock
species had been recorded, but no scarce merveille to see the beavers originally released in 2017 into a five-acre
du jour. A few minutes later a single newly emerged fenced area along a stretch of water at Woodland Valley
specimen finally appeared. By then only three of our Farm. There has been a lot of interest in the event as shown
members were left. Sadly, I was not one of them! by the number of requests to attend, so we are hoping for a
successful evening with some sightings of the beavers.
Derek Spooner, Volunteer
Ursula Edwards, Volunteer
Looe Marine Conservation Group
The Looe Marine Conservation Group to gain this experience. In Looe, the the award, so we’re expecting a bit
(MCG) has recently been awarded students will learn to run different of a learning curve. We then hope to
£500 from the Your Shore Beach activities such as rockpool rambles and continue working with the university to
Rangers Community Pot to run a beach cleans and will receive training include students in the future.
volunteering award in conjunction with in a variety of areas such as event
the University of Plymouth. The award, management and rocky shore ecology. Ameila Bridges, Volunteer Chair of
designed to help undergraduate Having two students join our group to Looe MCG and award organiser
marine biologists gain skills in public help run events is likely to have
engagement, will run from September the added benefit of encouraging
2018 through September 2019 and see more young people in the Looe area
two students joining the group. to get involved.
AMELIA BRIDGES
Many outreach skills are not taught The £500 grant will go towards
on higher education courses and have expenses such as the students’ travel
to be sought elsewhere, but students costs, event posters and training
don’t need to fly to exotic countries guides. This is our first year running
ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018 19Protecting
coastal wildlife
under the Your Shore umbrella
The Your Shore logo is more schools have been involved in the Beach Rangers mini
programme. With two and a half more years of funding
than just a nice design. It still to go, we look forward with excitement to helping our
encapsulates how our network community of engaged and skilled young people in Cornwall
to grow, as they become effective wildlife volunteers and the
of Marine Conservation happy and confident employers and employees of the future.
Groups works together, writes
Cornwall’s Marine Conservation Community
Natalie Gibb
Community Engagement
The local Marine Conservation Groups in Cornwall are
Officer Nat Gibb. The bell of the diverse, but they are all united by a common goal: to look
jellyfish is an umbrella and local marine groups, after their own special area of sea and shore. The Three
Bays Wildlife Group have been documenting otters on the
as dots on the tentacles beneath, come together streams adjoining Portmellon beach. The Falmouth Marine
to form the shape of Cornwall, a perfect symbol Conservation Group run many exciting events such as
snorkelling and night-time rockpooling, and the Polzeath
for the coastal protection group. Marine Conservation Group were responsible for the first ever
The Your Shore network has been gaining rapid momentum beachside ReFILL station in Cornwall, reducing plastic bottle
over recent years. It is now made up of 15 marine usage by providing free drinking water. You can find out more
conservation groups run entirely by volunteers, coming at www.beachrangers.com/community/your-shore-network
together to protect the places they love and providing a voice
Volunteers from marine groups all across Cornwall share
for local wildlife. ideas and resources, run collaborative events and projects
and ultimately come together as a strong combined voice
Ocean guardians for the future for our living seas. This joined-up approach has resulted in a
Two and a half years ago, our Your Shore Beach Rangers number of conservation wins across the years, such as:
project received five years of funding from the Big Lottery
Fund’s ‘Our Bright Future’ project. This has given us the ●● campaigning to ban polyisobutylene (PIB) discharge
opportunity, in collaboration with Cornwall College, to support following a tragic pollution event for seabirds in 2013
existing volunteer groups and set up new ones in Falmouth, ●● responding to and influencing the Marine Conservation
Mounts Bay, St Austell, Bude and St Ives. An important goal Zone consultation process
of the project is to empower and inspire young people, and
●● recording data which can be used in other marine
we have done this through the development of the Beach
designations and necessary fishing bylaws
●● the creation of the Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition,
“Act as if what you do makes which is becoming an ever-stronger and increasingly
respected voice in lobbying on many issues ranging from
a difference. It does.” balloon releases to the losses of plastic biomedia used in
wastewater treatment.
American philosopher William James (1842–1910). Getting together
Every year we have the chance to celebrate the work of the
Rangers Academy, which delivers accredited training with the network at the annual Your Shore conference. This year
marine environment as the underlying theme. was our biggest yet, with over 150 volunteers and beach
rangers coming together. Reflections at the 2018 conference
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project has been showed us that in 2017, the Your Shore network worked with
involving young people, who are typically harder to reach; an amazing 50,377 people at 807 marine events across the
we’ve found that the best way of doing this is to get them out county. The network continues to grow by word of mouth
of the classroom and onto the beach. There they can develop across thousands of people, with the numbers showing that
their communication skills, self-awareness and confidence Cornwall is leading the way. And there's an opportunity for
through our interactive beach games and workshops. And everyone to be involved.
best of all, we get young people into the sea. We love it when
a young person builds up their self-esteem in the water, going
Visit www.beachrangers.com to find your nearest local
from a nervous ‘toe dunker’ to a very excited person who’s
marine conservation group, to discover more about the
just seen a spider crab for the first time!
Your Shore Beach Rangers Academy and to see what
So far, over 500 young people have taken part in our training public marine-themed events are being held in your area.
sessions and 1,040 secondary school pupils from 16 Cornish
PHOTOS: 1. Seagrass snorkel with Ocean High and the Mounts Bay Marine Group. 2. Sunset snorkel, Millook, Bude. 3. Radical rockpool,
Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes. 4. Your Shore volunteers on a conservation cruise with the Hardiesse sail training ship. 5. Your Shore
conference 2018. 6. Honeycomb worm walk with the YSBR team, Crooklets Beach, Bude.
20 ISSUE 137 WINTER 2018You can also read
